I’m not saying you need this lens, but right now there just happens to be a very good (very very good) deal on the latest generation Canon 24-70mm F/2.8L II. If you’ve been eyeballing this lens, this may be the lowest it’s been since it’s announcement.

Here’s the breakdown. The MSRP on this lens sits at $2300 dollars (too much for me), but right now if you drop it in your cart the price falls to $1999. Subtract another $200 with the current MIR (mail-in-rebate), and the FINAL PRICE JUST $1799 via B&H (found here)

Canon’s fall rebate in late 2013 was for $300 – a little better than the current $200 rebate.

There has been considerable debate about the 24-70 2.8II and many feel it is in fact sharper than the canon L primes (24/35/50). It is probably the best (and most expensive) zoom in this range in production today.

I tend to agree, however you can’t have your cake and eat it too – sometimes you just need 1.4 or 1.2 for that “look”. Awesome bokeh and shallow DOF – just won’t be as critically sharp as this 24-70 2.8L II.

@Simon – Don’t forget that this $200 MIR is tacked on after an additional $300 price drop from B&H. This is pretty low for this lens. For video i’m happy with prime lenses and even old manual lenses. If you’re a photographer who needs to move quick and doesn’t have the luxury to switch lenses (weddings), the 24-70mm F/2.8 is a must have along with a 70-200mm F/2.8L IS.